Redesigned 2009 BMW Z4 convertible priced .

The redesigned 2009 BMW Z4 2-seat convertible will have a base price of $46,575 when it goes on sale this spring, BMW said.
The outgoing 2008 model had a base price of $36,700, though with less standard horsepower than the 2009 -- 215 versus 255. A 255-hp Z4 started at $42,700 in 2008.

The extra money does buy a retractable hardtop that replaces both the soft-top convertible and fixed-roof hatchback from the previous generation. The hardtop opens and closes in 20 seconds, BMW says.
The base (if the word may be used for a $47,000 automobile) Z4, the "sDrive30i," comes with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower that BMW.

Z4 sDrive30i buyers have a choice between a standard 6-speed manual transmission or a $1,325-extra automatic. The manual base Z4 goes from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 5.6 seconds; the automatic takes 6.0.
$46,575 does not buy leather seating, which costs an extra $1,250 over the standard vinyl imitation "leatherette." To be fair, BMW's leatherette has generally felt convincing, but the real deal is a head-turning omission at this price point.